Cherokee Phoenix

WASHINGTON AND THE CHEROKEES

Published August, 20, 1828

Page 2 Column 2b-3b

WASHINGTON AND THE CHEROKEES

In our first number, we gave an extract of a speech of Bloody Fellow, or Oo-ne-ne-doo-yah, at a conference held in Philadelphia in 1791 between the Chiefs of the Cherokee Nation, and the Secretary of War, Gen. Knox. We now publish the entire speeches of the Cherokees, the Secretary of War, and Gen. Washington, as contained in a book, presented to the Cherokees by Washington, and signed with his own hand. As education has since been introduced and progressed in this Nation, business between the General Government and the Cherokees is carried on through the medium of written correspondence, as our readers will have noticed in some of our past numbers.

The following Cherokee Chiefs and Warriors arrived at Philadelphia, on the twenty-eight of December 1791, by the way of Charleston, South Carolina; bringing with them evidence from Governor Pinckney and General Pickens of the authenticity of their mission, to wit:

Nenetooyah,- or Bloody fellow.

Chuthloh, - or Kingfisher.

Nontuaka, - or the Northwards.

Teesteke,- or the Disturber.

Kuthagusta,- or the Prince.

George Miller

James Carey, Interpreter.

Having been clothed they were, on the fourth of January of 1792, introduced to the President of the United States, who desired them to communicate their business to the Secretary of War. They were assembled for this purpose at his house on the fifth, when the Secretary of War addressed them in the following manner- Colonel Thomas Proctor and Constant Freeman being present, besides James Carey, and a young Indian warrior named George Miller, who jointly acted as interpreters.

Chiefs and Warriors of the Cherokee Nation! - As you are now recovered from the fatigues of your long journey and voyage, we will proceed to business. But before you mention the objects of your journey, it is proper that I should inform you, that the President of the United States, gives you a hearty welcome to this city. He has commanded me to assure you, that your arrival makes him glad-that he will kindly hear everything you have to say, and he hopes, that you will open your hearts fully, and conceal nothing from him; as it is his desire that the white and red people should become one people, and live together like Brothers on the same land-speak therefore without reserve, for you speak to real friends.

Conference of the Chiefs of the Cherokee Nation with the Secretary of War.

THURSDAY January 5th 1792.

Bloody Fellow: I am come a long journey by the direction of my whole nation and others, our neighbors, to take the President of the U. States, and yourself by the arm-but I am not prepared at present to make a full communication of my business. One of the Counsellors is sick and left behind, I cannot therefore, till the next day after the morrow (Saturday) make you acquainted with my particular business.

It was the wish of my nation when I left it, that all the speeches, both on their part, and the answers thereto, by the President of the United States, or yourself, should be committed to writing and transmitted to them.

I will explain myself fully agreeably to the desire of my nation, and I hope so fully to your and their satisfaction, that an everlasting white cloud will be over them.

[Bloody fellow then presented the Secretary of War with two silver medals.]

These medals were presented by Colonel Martin, about four or five years ago, but as some disturbances have since happened they are now returned, to obtain others from the United States. Medals are valuable to the Cherokees, and when accompanied with speeches, are monuments of friendship to their nation.

[As Bloody fellow and the other Chiefs had nothing more to communicate on this day- it was agreed that they should again meet at the house of the Secretary of War, at 11 o'clock on Saturday morning.]

[TO BE CONTINUED]